Staff Awards & Recognitions

It’s always a good Council meeting when the time, dedication, and professionalism of staff is recognized! During the March 18th meeting, Mayor Miller, City Council, and staff gathered to celebrate work anniversaries and annual awards. 

Dana McKinzie, Accountant – 1 Year of Service 
In her short time with the City, Dana McKinzie has already left a positive mark within the finance department.  “We have benefited from Dana’s many years of experience in taxes and she stepped into her new position here as Accountant with ease. Her knowledge in governmental accounting has made her an asset to our team,” said City Manager Robert H. Logan. Dana is happy to share her knowledge with customers and coworkers alike. She is eager to learn the duties of those in her department in an effort to cross-train, and looks to further her knowledge in her own job as evidenced by her completion of a certificate of revenue administration from UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. She is dependable, professional, and a pleasure to work with! We look forward to many happy years with Dana on our team!

Becky Bruce, Accounting Specialist – 10 Years of Service 
Becky began her time with the City as a permit technician, handling building permits, occupational tax certificates, processing payments, greeting customers, answering the main phone line and whatever else came across her desk. A few years ago, she made the switch to the finance department where she is responsible for accounts payable. In addition to her official job duties, she is also in charge of decorating City Hall at Christmas because no one else will decorate correctly and is our resident bow maker.  No one makes a bow like her! “Becky is always willing to take on new responsibilities and is a team player. She makes City Hall a better place to be, and we are glad to have had her here for a whole decade!” said Logan. 

Erin Honea, Communications & External Affairs Director – 10 Years of Service 
Also celebrating 10 years of service is Erin Honea, Communications & External Affairs Director. Over the years she has managed special events, written countless press releases, is the editor of the WhistleStop, manages the City’s website and social media pages, and creates presentations and speeches for staff and elected officials. She briefly held dual roles from 2019 – 2022 when she also served as the Assistant City Clerk. “Unofficially, but just as important, she serves her coworkers as Chief Proofreader,” said Logan. Since joining the City, she has earned credentials as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council, completed the Regional Economic & Leadership Development program from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and is nearing completion of the Georgia Certified Economic Developer program from the University of Georgia.  We are looking forward to the next 10 years with Erin here! 

Sabrina Resendiz, Administrative Assistant – Distinguished Service Award 
Sabrina Resendiz has been with the City for six years. Over the past six years she has eagerly jumped in to learn all the ins and outs of local government in order to best assist the customers she comes in contact with each day. “Sabrina approaches each interaction with customers with patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to assist, ensuring that everyone she communicates with feels heard and valued,” said Logan. In their nomination of Sabrina for this award, a co-worker wrote that she never complains about any situation and is always willing to step up and support the team in any way she can. 

Sabrina has served the residents of Holly Springs since 2018.
 
Justin Dupree, Stormwater Coordinator – Employee of the Year 
Each Employee of the Year nomination form for Stormwater Coordinator Justin Dupree were very similar. Each nomination discussed Justin’s willingness to lend a helping hand to his coworkers by taking on additional duties when needed, and the seriousness with which he approached his job, as evidenced by his commitment to completing trainings and the attention he pays to his work on a daily basis. Justin is prompt and dependable and a great addition to the Holly Springs team. 

Justin began working for the City of Holly Springs in 2022. 

Capt. Mike Hales – Bob Fuller Leadership Award 
Captain Mike Hales can be described as having many of the qualities that this award’s namesake possessed. During his time as a Holly Springs police officer, Capt. Hales has earned the respect of his colleagues and the trust of those he has led. He pays attention to detail and is in constant pursuit of excellence. Because of these qualities, Capt. Hales has been given responsibilities within all three divisions of the police department. He has approached each position with honor, commitment to service, professionalism, and dedication. 
Capt. Hales has been with the department since 2015.